Friday, September 27, 2013

H.C. "Smoky" Bissell is best known as the driving force behind the company that developed Ballantyne. But who knew the man also had great legs? That's what folks here in the newsroom were saying after someone noticed that Edwin Peacock, former City Council member turned mayoral candidate, had on Monday tweeted a picture of himself and Smoky, both all dolled up in dresses and high heels, for last weekend's Stiletto Sprint benefitting the Carolinas Ovarian Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer Institute.

Bissell, who in 2004 served as chair of the Dare to Dream campaign to build Levine Children's Hospital, apparently is a man who really gets into his charitable work. In the photo, he's wearing not just a dress, but a miniskirt, accented by what looks to be red stockings reaching nearly to his knees. A blonde wig tops off the ensemble nicely. Peacock sports a slightly longer dress (and paler legs) along with some seriously avant-garde sunglasses.

The Bissell Cos. was the presenting sponsor of the event. Bissell's wife, Sara, died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer. Can imagine she got a good chuckle from the Hereafter at the sight of her beloved.

No word on whether he actually won the race, a 60-70 yard dash in heels.

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Ely Portillo

Ely Portillo

About this blog

Ely Portillo covers economic development for the Observer, writing about who's building what in a city that seems to be sprouting new apartment and office towers on every corner. He also writes about Charlotte's airport, a major hub that's also undergoing a huge growth spurt. A transplant from Maryland, he's been reporting on his adopted hometown for more than five years. If you have a tip or story idea to share, you can contact him by email or give him a call at 704-358-5041. For the latest news, follow him on Twitter @ESPortillo.